Whether home is too far away, the stack of projects due is too massive or there's too much tailgate prep to do before the big game, a number of students are choosing to stay in Auburn for Thanksgiving break.
A local apartment complex is reaching out to its residents staying in town for the holiday by offering them a traditional taste of the season.
University Village is hosting a free Thanksgiving dinner in the clubhouse featuring traditional turkey, dressing, pecan pie and more classic holiday cuisine courtesy of Cambridge Catering.
"We're expecting about 30 to 40 for our turnout," said Brittany Rawls, a leasing agent at University Village. "Everyone usually brings friends and just comes out and has a good time."
For most Americans, Thanksgiving revolves around feasting, football and family.
Brooke Shippee, sophomore in biomedical sciences, is bringing her favorite part of Thanksgiving to Auburn. Her family is spending Thanksgiving Day at Shippee's house in town and going to the Iron Bowl together the following Saturday.
Shippee said extended family is her most cherished part of the holiday and the thing she'll miss the most about Thanksgiving in Florida.
"Every year we would have most of my family come into town and stay with us, and it was always one of the highlights of my year," Shippee said. "That will be the hardest part."
The Shippees' Thanksgiving Day plans and dinner menu are still undecided.
"We'll probably just order something," Shippee said. "I'm definitely not cooking."
A variety of events and businesses will also be available to students who remain in town during the holiday.
The Moore's Mill Golf Club Turkey Trot benefits the Food Bank of East Alabama. The three-mile and one-mile runs begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 24 and cover the nine-hole golf course.
Registration costs $12.
For students who don't feel like cooking, but still want a Thanksgiving meal, several restaurants will be open.
Ariccia is hosting both a brunch and a dinner the day of Thanksgiving. Brunch seating times are 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; dinner seating begins at 5:30 p.m.
Locos will also have Thanksgiving Day hours from 4-10 p.m.
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